St. Mary's Star newpaper, 1918 -Pottawatomie County, KS

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>From the St. Mary's Star  St. Mary's, Pottawatomie County, KS Cited for Bravery Awarded
the Distinguished Service Cross for Extraordinary Heroism In Action Near Soissons, France
July 18-21, 1918

The following letter was received last week by Miss Elizabeth Hoy relating the heroic deeds
of her brother, Joseph Hoy, and of his sacrifice of life in action July 21, 1918


War Department
The Adjutant General's Office
Washington
December 11, 1918

Miss Elizabeth Hoy
St. Mary's, Kansas

Dear Madam:
This office has been advised by cablegram by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary
Forces, that he has awarded a Distinguished Service Cross posthumously to your brother,
Private Joseph E. Hoy, for "extraordinary heroism in actions near Soissons, France July 18-
21, 1918.  After his platoon Commander had been wounded, he took command of his platoon and
displayed exceptional initiative, good judgment, and devotion to duty.  He alone captured a
machine gun which was holding up the advance and continued to lead his men forward until
reaching their final objective, he himself was killed." Under War Department Orders, the
Distinguished Service Cross in this case will be furnished to the nearest relative of this
soldier, and it becomes necessary for this office to determine the name and address of the
nearest relative.  Will you kindly use the enclosed penalty envelope which requires no
postage and inform this office whether Private Hoy was married and if so the name and
address of his widow if she is living; or if he left no widow, the name and address of his
parents, and if they be dead, the names, ages, and addresses of his brothers and sisters.

Very Respectfully,
Ralph Harrison,
Adjutant General